Abdominal-restraint garment comprising a first elastic support structure and a second elastic support structure, and methods of assembling the same

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to abdominal-restraint garments comprising a lower-body garment, a first elastic support structure comprising an elastomer, and a second elastic support structure comprising the elastomer. In some embodiments, the first elastic support structure has a first superior edge attached to the lower-body garment at a waistband of the lower-body garment, a first lateral edge attached to a first sideseam of the lower-body garment, and a first medial edge attached to a first closure seam of the lower-body garment. In some embodiments, the second elastic support structure has a first superior edge attached to the lower-body garment at the waistband of the lower-body garment, a second lateral edge attached to a second sideseam of the lower-body garment, and a second medial edge attached to a second closure seam of the lower-body garment. The present disclosure also relates to methods of assembling the abdominal-restraint garments disclosed herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/533,538, filed Nov. 5, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/899,926, filed Nov. 5, 2013. Each ofthese applications are incorporated by reference in their entireties forall purposes.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to clothing, and in particular to supportgarments. The present disclosure also relates to methods of assemblingthe garments disclosed herein.

BACKGROUND

Many people seek garments that provide additional shapeliness to theirfigures, or that alleviate problems with the appearance of the abdominalarea protruding visibly through their clothing, especially the lowerabdominals. Designers have produced a variety of garments andundergarments designed to help conceal and restrain areas of theabdominals, attempting to smooth and flatten the appearance of thegarment wearer's abdominals and conceal undesirable bulges of abdominalfat. However, a continuing need exists for improved garments thatprovide shapeliness or that can restrain, smooth, and conceal areas ofthe abdominals.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

Disclosed herein are abdominal-restraint garments comprising alower-body garment, a first elastic support structure comprising anelastomer, and a second elastic support structure comprising theelastomer. In some embodiments, the first elastic support structure hasa first superior edge attached to the lower-body garment at a waistbandof the lower-body garment, a first lateral edge attached to a firstsideseam of the lower-body garment, and a first medial edge attached toa first closure seam of the lower-body garment. In some embodiments, thesecond elastic support structure has a first superior edge attached tothe lower-body garment at the waistband of the lower-body garment, asecond lateral edge attached to a second sideseam of the lower-bodygarment, and a second medial edge attached to a second closure seam ofthe lower-body garment. In some embodiments, the first elastic supportstructure and the second elastic support structure are configured toextend across and compress a portion of the garment-wearer's lowerabdominal region.

The lower-body garment can be a pair of pants, jeans, a pair of shorts,a skirt, leggings, or tights. The lower-body garment can comprise denim,twill, woven fabric, or knit fabric. In some embodiments, the lower-bodygarment comprises a closure comprising a zipper.

The first elastic support structure can be further attached to thelower-body garment at a first pocket seam. The second elastic supportstructure can be further attached to the lower-body garment at a secondpocket seam. In some embodiments, the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure comprises inferior edges thatare not attached to the lower-body garment. In some embodiments, thefirst elastic support structure and/or second elastic support structurecomprises a double-layer of fabric with elastic stitched between the twolayers. In some embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/orsecond elastic support structure comprises a single layer of fabric.

The first elastic support structure and/or second elastic supportstructure can be attached to the lower-body garment using one of a groupconsisting of sewing, adhering, heat sealing, welding, gluing, bonding,laser cutting, and combinations thereof. The first elastic supportstructure and second elastic support structure can have a higherelasticity than the lower-body garment. In some embodiments, theelastomer includes spandex. In some embodiments, the first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure comprises50%-85% nylon and 15%-50% spandex.

The first elastic support structure and/or second elastic supportstructure can comprise a fabric that is from 146 grams per square meterto 220 grams per square meter. In some embodiments, the first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure comprises afabric having a maximum side shrinkage of 5%. In some embodiments, thefirst elastic support structure and/or second elastic support structurecomprises a fabric having a maximum warp shrinkage of 6%. In someembodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises a fabric having an elongation of 100% to136% in warp stretch at a 10-pound load against ASTM D44964. In someembodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises a fabric having an elongation of 70% to 99%in weft stretch at a 10-pound load against ASTM D44964. In someembodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises a fabric having 42 to 50 wales per inch. Insome embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure comprises a fabric having 70 to 89 courses perinch.

The first elastic support structure and/or second elastic supportstructure can comprise a fabric having a modulus in warp of 0.5 to 1.27at 40%. In some embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/orsecond elastic support structure comprises a fabric having a modulus inwarp of 1.3 to 2.25 at 60%. In some embodiments, the first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure comprises afabric having a modulus in warp of 2 to 3.45 at 80%. The first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure can comprise afabric having a modulus in weft of 0.4 to 1.27 at 40%. In Someembodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises a fabric having a modulus in weft of 1.3 to2.25 at 60%. In some embodiments, the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure comprises a fabric having amodulus in weft of 3.8 to 5 at 80%. In some embodiments, the firstelastic support structure and/or second elastic support structurecomprises a fabric having a fiber content of 0.36 to 0.76 at 40% inwarp. In some embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/orsecond elastic support structure comprises a fabric having a fibercontent of 0.98 to 1.98 at 60% in warp. In some embodiments, the firstelastic support structure and/or second elastic support structurecomprises a fabric having a fiber content of 2.49 to 5.79 at 80% inwarp.

Also disclosed herein is a method of assembling an abdominal-restraintgarment, the method comprising attaching a first superior edge of afirst elastic support structure to a waistband of a lower-body garment,attaching a first lateral edge of the first elastic support structure toa first sideseam of the lower-body garment, attaching a first medialedge of the first elastic support structure to a first closure seam ofthe lower-body garment, attaching a second superior edge of a secondelastic support structure to the waistband of the lower body garment,attaching a second lateral edge of the second elastic support structureto a second sideseam of the lower-body garment, and attaching a secondmedial edge of the second elastic support structure to a second closureseam of the lower-body garment.

The details of one or more embodiments of the disclosure are set forthin the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a plan view of a pair of pants of one embodiment of anabdominal-restraint garment turned inside-out, wherein theabdominal-restraint garment comprises a first elastic support structureand a second elastic support structure, as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a first elastic support structure and asecond elastic support structure disclosed herein.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are abdominal-restraint garments comprising alower-body garment, a first elastic support structure comprising anelastomer, and a second elastic support structure comprising theelastomer, and methods of assembling the same. Generally, the elasticsupport structures extend from opposite sides (one on each side) of aclosure seam (such as a zipper seam) of the lower body garment (such asa pair of pants). The elastic support structures extend laterally fromthe seam along an abdominal region of the wearer to attach to an innerportion of the lower body garment. Advantageously, the elastic supportstructures are composed of a wash-resistant material containing anelastomer. For instance, the wash resistant material includes aspandex/nylon composition.

As depicted in FIG. 1, support structures 20 a/b are attached tolower-body garment 10 in the form of a pair of pants. The lateral edges23 a/b of the support structures 20 a/b can be attached to an innerportion of the lower-body garment 10, such as at the sideseams 13 a/b ofthe lower-body garment. The medial edges 21 a/b of the supportstructures 20 a/b can be attached to the closure seams 14 a/b of thelower-body garment. The superior edges 22 a/b of the support structures20 a/b can be attached to the waistband 11 of the lower-body garment 10.The inferior edges 24 a/b of the support structures 20 a/b are, in someembodiments, not attached to the lower-body garment 10. In someembodiments, the lower-body garment 10 is further attached to thesupport structures 20 20 a/b by pocket seams 31 a/b, forming pocketareas 30 a/b. The inferior edges 24 a/b of the support structures 20 a/bcan be attached to the lower-body garment or not attached to thelower-body garment. The support structures 20 a/b are smaller (by, forinstance, 8-50% or by 1 inch in width, height, or both) than acorresponding area on the lower-body garment 10 (i.e., the areas fromthe sideseams 13 a/b to the closure seams 14 a/b, with an upper 25boundary at the waistband 11, and the lower boundary such that it wouldcover a garment wearer's lower abdominal region or extend slightly ontothe upper thigh). Accordingly, the smaller support structures 20 a/bprovide additional compression when the garment is worn, stretching tobe of, for instance, equivalent size of the corresponding area whenworn.

The abdominal-restraint garments disclosed herein can be any lower-bodygarment wherein additional shapeliness or restraining, smoothing, orconcealing of areas of the abdominals could be desirable. In someembodiments, the abdominal-restraint garment is a pair of pants, jeans,a pair of shorts, a skirt, leggings, or tights. FIG. 1 depicts anexemplary embodiment of the abdominal-restraint garments describedherein.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the abdominal-restraint garment 1 disclosedherein comprises a lower-body garment 10 in the form of a pair of pants,a first elastic support structure 20 a, and a second elastic supportstructure 20 b. The first elastic support structure 20 a and the secondelastic support structure 20 b are attached to the lower-body garment10, forming a one-piece abdominal-restraint garment 1 that smoothes,restrains, or conceals areas of the abdominals of the garment wearerwithout the need for wearing a separate shapewear piece (e.g.,panty-hose, control-top underwear, etc.) and an outer wear piece (e.g.,pants, jeans, skirt, leggings, etc.). Additionally, the convenientone-piece abdominal-restraint garment 1 can be easier for the garmentwearer to put on and take off than separate shapewear pieces andouter-wear pieces (e.g., while dressing for the day or during bathroombreaks during the day).

The lower-body garment can comprise any fabric known in the art for useon the lower body. The lower-body garment can comprise a natural fabric,a synthetic fabric, or a blended fabric. In some embodiments, thelower-body garment comprises denim, twill, woven fabric, or knit fabric.Exemplary lower-body garments can comprise, for example, cotton,leather, faux leather, suede, faux suede, polyester, denim, twill,tweed, wood pulp, bamboo, corn fibers, leaves, moleskin, barkcloth,barathea, silk, rayon, nylon, wool, batiste, Bedford cord, bengaline,acetate, berber fleece, burlap, flannel, canvas, lace, goat skin, satin,sateen, charmeuse, cheesecloth, corduroy, linen, crinoline, velvet,spandex, animal pelts, faux animal pelts, jersey, terry cloth, velour,velveteen, nonwoven fabrics such as felt, and blends thereof. Thelower-body garment can comprise any number of layers of fabric. In someembodiments, the lower-body garment comprises one layer. In someembodiments, the lower-body garment comprises two layers. The lower-bodygarment can comprise, for instance, a bonded fabric comprising two ormore layers joined together with, for instance, an adhesive, resin,foam, fusible membrane, or sewn together. As shown in FIG. 1, thelower-body garment 10 can comprise a waistband 11, a closure 12, a firstside seam 13 a, a second side seam 13 b, a first closure seam 14 a, asecond closure seam 14 b, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments,the lower-body garment 10 comprises a closure 12 that comprises azipper.

The first elastic support structure and/or second elastic supportstructure can be made of any fabric containing an elastomer that iscapable of restraining, smoothing, and/or concealing undesirable bulgesof the abdominal area, and that is also capable of withstanding repeatedwashings. Fabrics for use in the support structures can withstandrepeated washings on non-delicate cycles (such as a standard pair ofjeans might withstand). The fabrics for use in the support structures,in some embodiments, do not fade during standard washings. In someembodiments, the fabrics used in the support structures maintainstructural integrity (i.e., do not deteriorate) and stretch/compressioncapabilities during standard washings. Fabrics for use in the supportstructures may also withstand the bleaching and/or treatment steps that,for instance, a pair of denim jeans might undergo to provide a specificlook to the jeans (e.g., “wash down” the denim to, for instance,intentionally fade the color of the denim jeans, where a “light wash”keeps the denim relatively dark, a “medium wash” makes the denim a bitlighter, and a “heavy wash” makes the denim much lighter in color). Thefabrics for use in the support structures, in some embodiments, do notfade during wash down. In some embodiments, the fabrics used in thesupport structures maintain structural integrity and stretch/compressioncapabilities during wash down. The structural integrity (or lack ofdeterioration) can be determined by viewing microscopic images of thesupport structures before and after standard washing or wash down.

In some embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure has a higher elasticity than the lower-bodygarment.

The first elastic support structure and second elastic support structurecomprise an elastomer. The first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure can comprise a natural fabric, a syntheticfabric, or a blend thereof. In some embodiments, the first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure comprisesspandex. In some embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/orsecond elastic support structure comprises a spandex blend. In someembodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises a polyester/spandex blend. In someembodiments, the first elastic support structure comprises nylon. Insome embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure comprises 75% or less of spandex (e.g., 70% orless, 60% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, 35% or less, 30% or less,25% or less, 20% or less, 15% or less, or 10% or less). In someembodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises 5% or greater of spandex (e.g., 10% orgreater, 15% or greater, 20% or greater, 25% or greater, 30% or greater,35% or greater, 40% or greater, 50% or greater, or 60% or greater). Insome embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure comprises 90% or less of nylon (e.g., 85% orless, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 60% or less, 50% or less,40% or less, 35% or less, 30% or less, 25% or less, 20% or less, 15% orless, or 10% or less). In some embodiments, the first elastic supportstructure and/or second elastic support structure comprises 5% orgreater of nylon (e.g., 10% or greater, 15% or greater, 20% or greater,25% or greater, 30% or greater, 35% or greater, 40% or greater, 50% orgreater, 60% or greater, 65% or greater, 70% or greater, 75% or greater,80% or greater, or 85% or greater). In some embodiments, the firstelastic support structure and/or second elastic support structurecomprises 40% or less of polyester (e.g., 30% or less, 25% or less, 20%or less, 15% or less, or 10% or less). In some embodiments, the firstelastic support structure and/or second elastic support structurecomprises 5% or greater of polyester (e.g., 10% or greater, 15% orgreater, 20% or greater, 25% or greater, 30% or greater, or 35% orgreater). In some embodiments, the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure comprises a spandex/nylon blend.In some embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure comprises from 50% to 85% nylon and from 15%to 50% spandex.

In some embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure comprises modal, rayon, and spandex. In someembodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises cotton. In some embodiments, the firstelastic support structure and/or second elastic support structurecomprises a cotton blend. The first elastic support structure and/orsecond elastic support structure can include any of the fabricsdescribed above for the lower-body garment. The first elastic supportstructure and/or second elastic support structure can be made, forinstance, by circular knitting, warp knitting, or any weaving orknitting technique known in the art. In some embodiments, the firstelastic support structure and/or second elastic support structure hasvaried properties. For instance, the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure can have a gradient ofelasticity, horizontally or vertically across the first elastic supportstructure and/or second elastic support structure. In some embodiments,the first elastic support structure and/or second elastic supportstructure comprises a denser fabric at certain locations (e.g., at thelateral edges, at the top, at the bottom, in the center). Thecomposition of the fabric in the support structures can be varied toincrease or decrease the amount of compression provided by the garment.

Additionally, the size and shape of the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure can be varied to increase ordecrease the amount of compression provided by the abdominal-restraintgarment. For instance, the smaller support structures of the presentdisclosure stretch more during use than a larger support structure,allowing the smaller support structures to provide more compressionagainst the garment-wearer's abdominal region during wear. As mentionedabove, the support structures are 8% to 50% smaller than thecorresponding area of the lower-body garment when the garment is notbeing worn; then, when the garment is worn, the support structuresstretch to be equivalent (or nearly equivalent) to the correspondingareas on the lower-body garment (as described above); this extra tensionprovided by the support structures provides additional compression. Inother instances, the shape of the first elastic support structure and/orsecond elastic support structure may provide more targeted compressionin certain regions to help give the garment wearer a specific effect(e.g., to accentuate the hour-glass figure, or add additionalcompression at the waist, or to have less compression at the waist toreduce the “muffin-top” effect). In some embodiments, the first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure has lateraledges and medial edges that taper inward at the top, such that thesuperior edge of the first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure is shorter than the inferior edge of the firstelastic support structure and/or second elastic support structure. Insome embodiments, the lateral edges of the first elastic supportstructure and/or second elastic support structure are straight. In someembodiments, the lateral edges of the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure are curved. In some embodiments,the medial edges of the first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure are straight. In some embodiments, the medialedges of the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure are curved. In some embodiments, the superior edges ofthe first elastic support structure and/or second elastic supportstructure are straight. In some embodiments, the superior edges of thefirst elastic support structure and/or second elastic support structureare curved. In some embodiments, the inferior edges of the first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure are straight.In some embodiments, the inferior edges of the first elastic supportstructure and/or second elastic support structure are curved. In someembodiments, the inferior edges of the support structures are scallopedfor comfort so that the support structures do not touch thegarment-wearer's upper thigh during wear.

The first elastic support structure and/or second elastic supportstructure can comprise any number of layers of fabric. The number oflayers of fabric can be adjusted to increase or decrease the amount ofconcealing, restraining, and smoothing of the abdominal area provided bythe abdominal-restraint garment. In some embodiments, the first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure comprises onelayer. In some embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/orsecond elastic support structure comprises two layers. The first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure can comprise,for instance, a bonded fabric comprising two or more layers joinedtogether with, for instance, an adhesive, resin, foam, or fusiblemembrane. In some embodiments, the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure comprises a double layer withsandwiched elastic. In some embodiments, the first elastic supportstructure and/or second elastic support structure comprises a singlelayer with no elastic. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first elasticsupport structure 20 a can have a first medial edge 21 a, a firstsuperior edge 22 a, a first lateral edge 23 a, a first inferior edge 24a, or combinations thereof. As also depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, thesecond elastic support structure 20 a can have a second medial edge 21a, a second superior edge 22 a, a second lateral edge 23 a, a secondinferior edge 24 a, or combinations thereof.

The first elastic support structure and/or second elastic supportstructure can be attached to the lower-body garment by any means capableof attaching garment layers together. In some embodiments, thelower-body garment is attached by sewing, adhering, zipping, buttoning,snapping, heat sealing, welding, gluing, bonding, laser cutting, andcombinations thereof.

The first elastic support structure and/or second elastic supportstructure can have various properties that allow the structures toconceal, restrain, and/or smooth abdominal area. The support structurescan have any fabric weight that allows adequate concealing, smoothing,and/or restraining of the abdominal area. In some embodiments, the firstelastic support structure and/or second elastic support structurecomprises a fabric that is 146 grams per square meter (gsm) or greater(e.g., 150 gsm or greater, 160 gsm or greater, 170 gsm or greater, 180gsm or greater, 190 gsm or greater, 200 gsm or greater, 210 gsm orgreater). In some embodiments, the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure comprises a fabric that is 220gsm or less (e.g., 210 gsm or less, 200 gsm or less, 190 gsm or less,180 gsm or less, 170 gsm or less, 160 gsm or less, 150 gsm or less). Insome embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure comprises a fabric that is from 146 gsm to 220gsm (e.g., 165 gsm to 201 gsm). The amount of compression provided bythe garment can be varied by varying the garment weight (in gsm). Insome embodiments when garments having greater concealing, smoothing, orrestraining of the abdominal area is desired, a higher weight garmentcan be used. The compression provided by a garment can be measured, forinstance, by measuring the garment-wearer's body (e.g., waistcircumference) unclothed and then measuring the garment-wearer's bodywhile the garment is being worn, and then comparing the twomeasurements.

The support structures can have any side shrinkage that allows adequateconcealing, smoothing, and/or restraining of the abdominal area. In someembodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises a fabric having a side shrinkage of 5% orless (e.g., 4.5% or less, 4% or less, 3.5% or less, 3% or less, 2.5% orless, 2% or less). In some embodiments, the first elastic supportstructure and/or second elastic support structure comprises a fabrichaving a side shrinkage of 0.25% or greater (e.g., 0.5% or greater,0.75% or greater, 1% or greater, 2% or greater, 2.5% or greater, 3% orgreater, 3.5% or greater, 4% or greater, or 4.5% or greater). In someembodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises a fabric having a side shrinkage of 0.25% to5% (e.g., 0.5% to 4.5%, 1% to 4%, 2% to 3%). The shrinkage of fabricscan be measured through AATCC 135-2012, “Dimensional Stability ofFabrics After Home Laundering Test,” (2012).

The support structures can have any warp shrinkage that allows adequateconcealing, smoothing, and/or restraining of the abdominal area. In someembodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises a fabric having a warp shrinkage of 6% orless (e.g., 5.5% or less, 5% or less, 4.5% or less, 4% or less, 3.5% orless, 3% or less, 2.5% or less, 2% or less). In some embodiments, thefirst elastic support structure and/or second elastic support structurecomprises a fabric having a warp shrinkage of 0.25% or greater (e.g.,0.5% or greater, 0.75% or greater, 1% or greater, 2% or greater, 2.5% orgreater, 3% or greater, 3.5% or greater, 4% or greater, or 4.5% orgreater). In some embodiments, the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure comprises a fabric having a warpshrinkage of 0.25% to 6% (e.g., 0.5% to 5.5%, 1% to 5%, 2% to 4%). Theshrinkage of fabrics can be measured through AATCC 135-2012,“Dimensional Stability of Fabrics After Home Laundering Test,” (2012).

The support structures can have any warp stretch that allows adequateconcealing, smoothing, and/or restraining of the abdominal area. Theelongation of the support structures will generally be at least 100% inWarp and at least 70% in Side (Weft) at 10 lb load against ASTM D44964.In some embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure comprises a fabric having a warp stretch at 10pounds load against ASTM D44964 of 100% or greater (e.g., 110% orgreater, 115% or greater, 120% or greater, 125% or greater, or 130% orgreater). In some embodiments, the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure comprises a fabric having a warpstretch at 10 pounds load against ASTM D44964 of 136% or less (e.g.,130% or less, 125% or less, 120% or less, or 115% or less). In someembodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises a fabric having a warp stretch at 10 poundsload against ASTM D44964 of from 109 to 136 (e.g., 115 to 130, 120 to125). Warp stretch can be measured according to ASTM D4964-96(2012)e1,titled “Standard Test Method for Tension and Elongation of ElasticFabrics (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Type Tensile Machine).” The amountof compression provided by the garment can be varied by varying the warpstretch. In some embodiments when garments having greater concealing,smoothing, or restraining of the abdominal area is desired, a higherwarp-stretch garment can be used.

The support structures can have any side stretch that allows adequateconcealing, smoothing, and/or restraining of the abdominal area. In someembodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises a fabric having a side stretch at 10 poundsload against ASTM D44964 of 70% or greater (e.g., 75% or greater, 85% orgreater, 90% or greater, or 95% or greater). In some embodiments, thefirst elastic support structure and/or second elastic support structurecomprises a fabric having a side stretch at 10 pounds load against ASTMD44964 of 99% or less (e.g., 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, or82% or less). In some embodiments, the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure comprises a fabric having a sidestretch at 10 pounds load against ASTM D44964 of 70% to 99% (e.g., 75%to 95%, 80% to 90%). Side stretch can be measured according to ASTMD4964-96(2012)e1, titled “Standard Test Method for Tension andElongation of Elastic Fabrics (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Type TensileMachine).” The amount of compression provided by the garment can bevaried by varying the garment's side stretch. In some embodiments whengarments having greater concealing, smoothing, or restraining of theabdominal area is desired, a higher side-stretch garment can be used.

The support structures can have any number of wales per inch (wpi) thatallows adequate concealing, smoothing, and/or restraining of theabdominal area. In some embodiments, the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure comprises a fabric having 42 orgreater wales per inch (e.g., 47 or greater, 48 or greater, or 49 orgreater). In some embodiments, the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure comprises a fabric having 50wales per inch or less (e.g., 49 or less, 48 or less, or 47 or less). Insome embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure comprises a fabric having 42 to 50 wales perinch (e.g., 47 to 49, 47.5 to 48.5).

The support structures can have any number of courses per inch (cpi)that allows adequate concealing, smoothing, and/or restraining of theabdominal area. In some embodiments, the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure comprises a fabric having 70courses per inch or greater (e.g., 82 or greater, 83 or greater, 84 orgreater, 85 or greater, 86 or 5 greater, 87 or greater, or 88 orgreater). In some embodiments, the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure comprises a fabric having 89courses per inch or less (e.g., 88 or less, 87 or less, 86 or less, 85or less, 84 or less, 83 or less, or 82 or less). In some embodiments,the first elastic support structure and/or second elastic supportstructure comprises a fabric having 46 to 50 courses per inch (e.g., 81to 89, 83 to 87).

The support structures can have any modulus that allows adequateconcealing, smoothing, and/or restraining of the abdominal area.Generally, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprise a fabric having a modulus in warp of 0.50 orgreater at 40%, 1.3 or greater at 60%, and 2.0 or greater at 80%, and/ora side modulus of 0.40 or greater at 40%, 1.30 or greater at 60%, and3.8 or greater at 80%.

The first elastic support structure and/or second elastic supportstructure can comprise a fabric having a modulus in warp of 0.5 orgreater (e.g., 0.55 or greater, 0.6 or greater, 0.65 or greater, 0.7 orgreater, 0.8 or greater, 0.9 or greater, 1 or greater, 1.1 or greater,1.2 or greater) at 40%. The first elastic support structure and/orsecond elastic support structure can comprise a fabric having a modulusin warp of 1.27 or less (e.g., 1.2 or less, 1.1 or less, 1 or less, 0.9or less, 0.8 or less, or 0.7 or less) at 40%. The first elastic supportstructure and/or second elastic support structure can comprise a fabrichaving a modulus in warp of 0.5 to 1.27 (e.g., 0.7 to 1.2, 0.8 to 1.1,0.9 to 1) at 40%. In some embodiments, the first elastic supportstructure and/or second elastic support structure comprises a fabrichaving a modulus in warp of 1.3 or greater (e.g., 1.45 or greater, 1.6or greater, 1.7 or greater, 1.8 or greater, 1.9 or greater, 2 orgreater, 2.1 or greater) at 60%. In some embodiments, the first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure comprises afabric having a modulus in warp of 2.25 or less (e.g., 2.1 or less, 2 orless, 1.9 or less, 1.8 or less, 1.7 or less, 1.6 or less, 1.5 or less)at 60%. In some embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/orsecond elastic support structure comprises a fabric having a modulus inwarp of 1.3 to 2.25 (e.g., 1.6 to 2.1, 1.7 to 2) at 60%. In someembodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises a fabric having a modulus in warp of 2 orgreater (e.g., 2.1 or greater, 2.2 or greater, 2.3 or greater, 2.4 orgreater, 2.5 or greater, 2.6 or greater, 2.7 or greater, 2.8 or greater,2.9 or greater, 3 or greater, 3.1 or greater, 3.2 or greater, 3.3 orgreater, or 3.4 or greater) at 80%. In some embodiments, the firstelastic support structure and/or second elastic support structurecomprises a fabric having a modulus in warp of 3.45 or less (e.g., 3.4or less, 3.3 or less, 3.2 or less, 3.1 or less, 3 or less, 2.9 or less,2.8 or less, 2.7 or less, 2.6 or less, 2.5 or less, 2.4 or less) at 80%.In some embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure comprises a fabric having a modulus in warp of2 to 3.45 (e.g., 2.4 to 3.3, 2.6 to 3.1) at 80%. The amount ofcompression provided by the garment can be varied by varying themodulus. In some embodiments when garments having greater concealing,smoothing, or restraining of the abdominal area is desired, a highermodulus garment can be used.

The support structures can have any fiber content that allows adequateconcealing, smoothing, and/or restraining of the abdominal area. In someembodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises a fabric having a fiber content of 0.36 to0.76 at 40% in warp stretch. In some embodiments, the first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure comprises afabric having a fiber content of 0.98 to 1.98 at 60% in warp stretch. Insome embodiments, the first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure comprises a fabric having a fiber content of2.49 to 5.79 at 80% in warp stretch.

Also disclosed herein is a method of assembling an abdominal-restraintgarment, the method comprising attaching a first superior edge of afirst elastic support structure to a waistband of a lower-body garment,attaching a first lateral edge of the first elastic support structure toa first inner portion (e.g., a first sideseam) of the lower-bodygarment, attaching a first medial edge of the first elastic supportstructure to a first closure seam of the lower-body garment, attaching asecond superior edge of a second elastic support structure to thewaistband of the lower-body garment, attaching a second lateral edge ofthe second elastic support structure to a second inner portion (e.g., asecond sideseam) of the lower-body garment, and attaching a secondmedial edge of the second elastic support structure to a second closureseam of the lower-body garment.

Attaching the lateral edges of the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure further back on the lower-bodygarment (e.g., on the back pockets instead of the side seams) can allowthe first elastic support structure and/or second elastic supportstructure to wrap further around the garment-wearer's body and provideadditional compression. The further the first elastic support structureand/or second elastic support structure wraps around garment-wearer'sbody, the greater the degree of restraint, control, and/or smoothing ofthe abdominal region and adjacent side regions. Thus, attaching thefirst elastic support structure and/or second elastic support structureto, for instance, the lateral seams of the back pockets of thelower-body garment can provide a greater degree of restraint, control,and/or smoothing of the abdominal region and adjacent side regions thanattaching the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure to the side seams of the lower-body garment. Thelocation of the attachment of the first elastic support structure and/orsecond elastic support structure to the lower-body garment can be variedto provide the amount of control, restraint, and or smoothing desired bythe garment wearer. The location of the attachment of the first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure to thelower-body garment can be anywhere along the inside of the lower-bodygarment that would allow for the first elastic support structure tocontrol, restrain, or smooth areas of the abdominals, and is not limitedto the exemplary embodiments of attaching at the side seams of thelower-body garment or lateral seams of the back pockets of thelower-body garment. However, the attachment of lateral edges of thefirst elastic support structure to the lower-body garment is such thatthe first elastic support structure does not wrap all of the way aroundthe garment-wearer's body.

As noted above, the one-piece abdominal-restraint garments disclosedherein conveniently smooth, control, and restrain the abdominal area ofthe garment wearer without the need for putting on separate a shape-wearpiece (e.g., pantyhose, control-top underwear, etc.) and outer wearpiece (e.g., pants, jeans, skirts, leggings, etc.). Additionally, theconvenient one-piece abdominal-restraint garment can be easier for thegarment wearer to put on and take off than separate shape-wear piecesand outer-wear pieces (for instance, while dressing for the day orduring bathroom breaks during the day). The convenient one-pieceabdominal-restraint garment can also be a cooler temperature alternativeto separate shape-wear pieces and outer-wear pieces, by retaining lessbody heat of the garment wearer. Further, the inner abdominal-restraintgarment can provide comparable control, restraint, and/or smoothing ofundesirable abdominal area as is possible with a separateshape-wear-piece, but without causing undesirable riding up or wedgies(i.e., where an undergarment becomes wedged between the garment-wearer'sbuttocks). The embodiments described herein can provide more comfort,abdominal-area smoothing, concealing, or restraining than other optionsavailable in the prior art.

The garments and methods of the appended claims are not limited in scopeby the specific garments and methods described herein, which areintended as illustrations of a few aspects of the claims and anygarments and methods that are functionally equivalent are intended tofall within the scope of the claims. Various modifications of thegarments and methods in addition to those shown and described herein areintended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Further, whileonly certain representative garments and method steps disclosed hereinare specifically described, other combinations of the garments andmethod steps also are intended to fall within the scope of the appendedclaims, even if not specifically recited. Thus, a combination of steps,elements, components, or constituents may be explicitly mentionedherein; however, other combinations of steps, elements, components, andconstituents are included, even though not explicitly stated.

The term “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is usedsynonymously with the term “including” and variations thereof and areopen, non-limiting terms. Although the terms “comprising” and“including” have been used herein to describe various embodiments, theterms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” can be used inplace of “comprising” and “including” to provide for more specificembodiments of the invention and are also disclosed. Other than in theexamples, or where otherwise noted, all numbers expressing quantities ofingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specificationand claims are to be understood at the very least, and not as an attemptto limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope ofthe claims, to be construed in light of the number of significant digitsand ordinary rounding approaches

1. An abdominal-restraint garment comprising: a lower-body garment; afirst elastic support structure comprising a first gradient ofelasticity; and a second elastic support structure comprising a secondgradient of elasticity; wherein the first elastic support structure hasa first superior edge attached to the lower-body garment at a waistbandof the lower-body garment, a first lateral edge attached to a firstinner portion of the lower-body garment, and a first medial edgeattached to a first closure seam of the lower-body garment, wherein thesecond elastic support structure has a first superior edge attached tothe lower-body garment at the waistband of the lower-body garment, asecond lateral edge attached to a second inner portion of the lower-bodygarment, and a second medial edge attached to a second closure seam ofthe lower-body garment, wherein the first elastic support structure andthe second elastic support structure are 8% to 50% smaller than acorresponding space in the lower-body garment, wherein the first elasticsupport structure and second elastic support structure are configured toextend across and compress a portion of the garment-wearer's abdominalregion, wherein the first elastic support structure is further attachedto the lower-body garment along a first pocket seam, the attachment tothe first pocket seam extending medially from a first lateral region ofthe lower-body garment and/or the second elastic support structure isfurther attached to the lower-body garment along a second pocket seam,the attachment to the second pocket seam extending medially from asecond lateral region of the lower-body garment, and wherein the firstpocket seam extends through only the first elastic support structure andthe lower-body garment, and/or the second pocket seam extends throughonly the second elastic support structure and the lower-body garment,and wherein the attachment of the first and second elastic supportstructures to the lower-body garment along the first and second pocketseams define a first pocket area and a second pocket area.
 2. Theabdominal-restraint garment of claim 1, wherein the first inner portionof the lower-body garment is a first sideseam and/or the second innerportion of the lower-body garment is a second sideseam.
 3. (canceled) 4.The abdominal-restraint garment of claim 1, wherein the lower-bodygarment is a pair of pants, jeans, a pair of shorts, a skirt, leggings,or tights.
 5. The abdominal-restraint garment of claim 1, wherein thelower-body garment comprises denim, twill, woven fabric, or knit fabric.6. The abdominal-restraint garment of claim 1, wherein the lower-bodygarment comprises a closure comprising a zipper.
 7. (canceled) 8.(canceled)
 9. The abdominal-restraint garment of claim 1, wherein thefirst elastic support structure and/or second elastic support structurecomprises inferior edges that are not attached to the lower-bodygarment.
 10. The abdominal-restraint garment of claim 1, wherein thefirst elastic support structure and/or second elastic support structurecomprises a double-layer of fabric.
 11. The abdominal-restraint garmentof claim 10, wherein the double-layer of fabric comprises elasticstitched between the two layers.
 12. The abdominal-restraint garment ofclaim 1, wherein the first elastic support structure and/or secondelastic support structure comprises a single layer of fabric.
 13. Theabdominal-restraint garment of claim 1, wherein the first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure is attached tothe lower-body garment using one of a group consisting of sewing,adhering, heat sealing, welding, gluing, bonding, laser cutting, andcombinations thereof.
 14. The abdominal-restraint garment of claim 1,wherein the first elastic support structure and second elastic supportstructure have a higher elasticity than the lower-body garment.
 15. Theabdominal-restraint garment of claim 1, wherein the first elasticsupport structure and/or the second elastic support structure comprisesspandex.
 16. The abdominal-restraint garment of claim 1, wherein thefirst elastic support structure and/or second elastic support structurecomprises 50%-85% nylon and 15%-50% spandex.
 17. The abdominal-restraintgarment of claim 1, wherein the first elastic support structure and/orsecond elastic support structure comprises a fabric that is from 146grams per square meter to 220 grams per square meter.
 18. Theabdominal-restraint garment of claim 1, wherein the first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure comprises afabric having a maximum side shrinkage of 5%.
 19. Theabdominal-restraint garment of claim 1, wherein the first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure comprises afabric having a maximum warp shrinkage of 6%.
 20. Theabdominal-restraint garment of claim 1, wherein the first elasticsupport structure and/or second elastic support structure comprises afabric having a warp stretch such that the fabric stretches 109% to 136%under a 10 pound load.
 21. The abdominal-restraint garment of claim 1,wherein the first elastic support structure and/or second elasticsupport structure comprises a fabric having a side stretch of 79% to 99%under a 10 pound load. 22-65. (canceled)